Lowepro Home
Archive - Products RSS Feed

Creative Use for Memory Card Wallets

January 14, 2011 in Products with 2 Comments

I have a couple memory card wallets laying around that I would love to put to good use.

I remember when I discovered my first Lowepro memory card wallet tucked inside a Classified 200 AW shoulder bag. I thought to myself, “Oh, this is neat. What should I do with it?” I didn’t really want to store my CF cards inside of it, but it seemed too cool not to use for something.

As a coincidence, recently, one of my photographer friends shared a video with me about his Photographer’s Survival Kit. These little kits contain a handful of essentials that come in handy when you’re shooting out in the field. As it worked out, my friend Stefan used a Lowepro memory card wallet to house his survival kit. It’s really clever. You might want to check out this short video that he made.

Slick, isn’t it? If you come up with something clever for these card wallets, be sure to post a comment to share with others.

Derrick is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Dynamic Duo: Lowepro Inverse 100 AW and Versapack 200 AW

January 10, 2011 in Products with 3 Comments

I question that I often hear is, “how can I extend the capability of the Versapack 200 AW? Outdoor shooters are looking for places to stow their water bottles and carry extra camera gear while remaining nimble on the trail. I think a great solution is to add an Inverse 100 AW to the equation. When I use the two bags together, I call them my “dynamic duo.”

My Lowepro Dynamic Duo for day hikes: Inverse 100 AW + Versapack 200 AW.

I pack my extra jacket, lunch, and other personal gear in the top compartment of the Versapack. It also holds my maps and/or iPad in the front pocket that is protected by the buckle-down flap. My 70-200mm plus 1.4x lens goes in the bottom compartment. Then, in the Inverse 100 AW, I pack my DSLR with a mounted 24-105mm zoom, two water bottles (one on each side in the mesh pockets), first aid kit, army knife, and other small essentials.

The Inverse 100 AW fits snugly around my waist. I can wear it in the back, or bring it forward for even quicker access. If I need to get to my long lens in a hurry, I can access it through the side pocket of the Versapack without having to dismount either bag. Both have AW covers so I’m protected if the weather turns against me. And the total weight of both bags (empty) is only about 4 pounds. Together they make a powerful combination for light trail work.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

The Other Bag You Should Have

December 17, 2010 in Products with 7 Comments

I consider Ziploc style bags essential gear for protecting my cameras. Here in North America, it’s a bit chilly this time of year. But it’s also a great season for photography if you make the right preparations. One of my favorite cold weather tricks is to put the camera in a Ziploc style bag before I return indoors. By doing so, any condensation that might appear when the warm room temperature hits my cold gear, will form on the bag and not the camera itself. Once the camera has reached room temperature, I can safely take it out of the Ziploc. If you don’t have a Ziploc with you, then leave your camera inside the Lowepro bag until everything warms up.

Of course there are dozens of other uses for Ziplocs, ranging from temporary rain protection to transporting found objects. It’s definitely the other bag you should have.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Results from “Your Dream Lowepro Bag”

December 15, 2010 in Products with 6 Comments

On Dec. 10, I posted an article titled Your Dream Lowepro Bag and solicited responses from our Lowepro Facebook page and our Twitter site. I also received some helpful notes via email. One photographer, Derrick Birdsall, even pointed us to his blog for a post on the topic.

I promised to sift through the comments and share some of them here (there are many, many more terrific ones). So, here’s a sampling of the major themes expressed by the Lowepro community.

Fastpack Series

An ongoing request is that our popular Fastpack bags include AW covers. Some respondents also want a tripod mount for this bag. One shooter, Michael, suggested an addition to the series too, “Lowepro needs to make a Fastpack 150. The 100 is a bit to small for grown men and the 250 is too big when going into museums and such. A size right between the two would be fantastic.” One of my favorite Fastpack comments came from Pamela, “..or at least some tiny ‘feet’ so the bottom would stay up off the ground.”

The SlingShot Series

One of our more creative bags, the SlingShot, prompted some creative enhancements too. Craig writes, “Could you ever create a Lowepro Slingshot convertible? A second shoulder strap that hides away (completely!) when used in a sling fashion, but for extended walking, pulls out so as to balance the load across both shoulders?”

The Student Bag

Joris writes, “What I have in mind is a backpack with:”

  • plenty of space for school books (minimal, if any, padding necessary)
  • a nicely padded laptop compartment – like on the Pro Runner 350/450 AW, that kind of padding. For laptops up to 13″ or 15”
  • space up front for a wallet, pens, cell phone and some other small items (like the Pro Runner 450 AW’s front pocket, but a bit deeper)
  • a small outer front pocket (again, like on the Pro Runner series)
  • an All-Weather cover to protect the bag and its contents from rain, snow,…
  • a mesh pocket on one of the sides to carry a bottle of water in it (for bottles containing up to 1 liter/33.81 ounces)
  • decent quality (i.e. metal) zippers
  • rainflap lids
  • sturdy grab handle like on top of the Pro Runner series
  • compression straps
  • SlipLock attachment loops: it would be a good idea in my opinion to put SlipLock attachment loops on the sides, the (padded) waist belt and the (padded) shoulder straps. Consequently, you could use, say, the Utility Bag 100 AW or the ILC Classic 50 to carry a little bit of camera gear (like an ILC with one lens or so).
  • the usual Lowepro build quality on the outside
  • Also, a comfortable harness would be really nice as students tend to carry quite a bit of weight from time to time! I’d suggest something like the Pro Runner 450 AW’s harness system (5 points), so with a padded waist belt that can be put away when not in use and comfortable shoulder straps.

It’s up to Lowepro’s designers to figure out what size it should be…I’m sure they will do a great job, as always.”

Less Bag is OK Sometimes

Joanne writes, “I’m a frequent Disney park hopper who prefers to have all my stuff in one place for the day and preferably not hung over my shoulder or having to be put on a belt. I prefer to have my hands free for touring the parks and enjoying the rides…. I’d prefer a fanny-pack style solution that can accommodate a G12 or smaller P&S cam with separate storage for a phone, money and/or park tickets & credit cards, etc. Also, room for small incidentals like a lip balm. A clip or mesh bag for attaching a water bottle would be cool too. This could be a very lightweight solution; heavy padding not necessary.”

Amy adds, “I’d like to see a backpack similar to the Computrekker, but slightly more streamlined (maybe more round than square) to help cut down the bulk.”

Thanks to All

I’ll make sure our design team reads all of your input. I appreciate everyone taking time to write.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Your Dream Lowepro Bag

December 10, 2010 in Products with 4 Comments

What does your perfect camera bag look like?

We have lots of discussion on our Lowepro Facebook page about the features that photographers want in their camera bags. I find these discussions interesting because they help us create the tools that you need to get your work done. So, what does your perfect bag look like?

Some things to consider:

  • What does it need to hold? Think about camera, lenses, computers, and school books.
  • What type of bag is it? A backpack, slingbag, shoulder strap, something completely different.
  • Where does it need to fit? Under a seat on an airplane, next to you in a coffee shop?
  • How much gear protection does it need? We have lots of discussion about padding. Lots of padding, minimal padding?
  • Zippers, darn zippers. If you don’t use zippers, then what do you want?
  • All weather covers. Do you need this for all of your bags, or just the ones for certain assignments?

Please keep in mind that the laws of physics do apply to this exercise. You can’t say that I want my bag to hold two pro DSLRs with grips, a 300mm f/2.8 lens, five additional lenses, three flashes, a 17″ computer, and slide easily under the seat on a commuter plane. You know what I’m saying.

You can post a comment here with your perfect bag specs, send me email to dstory[at]lowepro[dotcom], or post on our Lowepro Facebook page. I’ll pull together the comments into an upcoming post.

And thanks for your feedback!

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Light, Fast & Versatile

December 8, 2010 in Events,Products,Reviews with 0 Comments

I got this from Pete Hill, our VP of Design. It’s a great story about the Versapack 200 AW. My hat’s off to Luis — not sure I could make it for 2 full weeks in just this backpack, but then I’ve always been challenged by travelling light!

As a Lowepro Designer, Luis is always willing to walk the talk with products. When he designed the VersaPack he had in mind a product that would travel well under a wide range of demands. 

For a two-week trip that included a visit to Photokina in Cologne, Germany, market visits in Milan, Italy and a fast weekend in the mountains, Luis packed the Versapack – as in just the Versapack. He carried a 13” Macbook Pro, a Canon G-10 with charger, a small Wacom tablet plus business and outdoor clothing for 2 weeks. His concession came when he had to tie his climbing helmet and harness on the outside of the bag.

 

While it may seem extreme to pull off a two-week trip in a small daypack, I think it speaks to the challenges everyone faces when they travel internationally with cameras. How do you pack all the equipment you need into the shrinking requirements of international carry-on regulations.  Scrutinizing every piece of equipment and every article of clothing and being a creative problem solver in the field can make it work.

So, how do you pack your Versapack? We’d love to know…..

Sam Marsh is the PR and Photographer Relations Manager for Lowepro’s Worldwide Marketing team.

My Favorite Lowepro Bags of 2010

November 29, 2010 in Products with 3 Comments

I’ve tested lots of Lowepro gear this year, traveling by plane, train, cab, car, bike and foot. And with field use, there are bags that rise to the surface as my absolute favorites. I thought you might like to peruse this list, especially as the holidays roll around. I’ll list MSRP US prices in my overviews, but often you can get better prices by shopping around.

A packed Pro Runner 300 AW.

Pro Runner 300 AW – For my dedicated camera backpack, the Pro Runner 300 AW is at the top of the list. I like this bag because it holds my Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 60D, telephoto, wide, primes and flash, yet is thin and very efficient. It fits in overhead compartments, on buses, under seats, and just about anywhere else. I can carry the iPad in the front pocket and still have room for other personal items. This is one bag I could not do without. $179 US.

Camera compartment of the Fastpack 250.

Fastpack 250 – When I need to stow a laptop in my backpack, I still favor the Lowepro Fastpack 250. It easily handles all 15″ models, and I can even get my 17″ MacBook Pro in there. Plus, the Fastpack accommodates the 5D Mark II DSLR with 24-105 f/4 L zoom, 70-200 f/4, 50mm, flash, and accessories. I like the way I can access the DSLR from the side without having to remove the backpack. I particularly enjoy this bag for airline travel. It has lots of room for personal items in addition to camera and computer. Yet it fits under the seat in front of me or in the overhead bin. What a great everyday backpack! $119 US.

Compact yet roomy, and enough room for iPad or netbook too.

Classified Sling 180 AW – When I want a sling bag, I still reach for the Lowepro Classified Sling 180 AW. It’s a stylish bag for urban use, holds my DSLR and 3 lenses, and plenty of accessories including an iPad or even a MacBook Air. When shooting, I can sling it around, open the flap, and work out of the bag. It’s like having a mini-studio with you because everything is so accessible. I would say this is a better sling for men than women. I think the bag looks a little chunky on most gals. But for me, I always look forward to street shooting with the sling over my shoulder. $175 US

Classified 160 AW – For shoulder bags this was a tough call, but in the end my favorite is the Lowepro Classified 160 AW. For such a compact shoulder bag, it holds an amazing amount of equipment, including an iPad in the front pocket. I really like its looks too, preferring the sepia color with the black leather trim. You can go anywhere with this bag, look good, and have your gear with you. $175 US.

Exchange Messenger – For a discrete messenger bag, it’s hard to beat the Lowepro Exchange Messenger. I can carry a light DSLR with zoom and personal items, yet, most people don’t even notice I have a bag on. It’s also perfect for the new micro four/thirds cameras. $40 US.

Even though I enjoy and use many other bags, these are the five that I just wouldn’t want to ever live without.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Page 14 of 18« First...10«1213141516»...Last »